GeekSugar

Comcast Introduces Network Cable Channel Packages

Kelly Schwarze — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 12:12:05 PDT

Fresh off speculation that cable companies may begin to offer à la carte channel subscription options, Comcast has started to offer a new package program called MyTV Choice.

Currently on trial in Charleston, SC, as well as parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont, the MyTV Choice starts with a base package called Get Started, which is $25 for 50 channels or Get Started Plus for $45 and includes ESPN. If desired, four optional channel theme packages are available to add-on for an additional $10 a month. The theme packs are offered as kids, news and information, entertainment and lifestyle, and movies.

Hopefully this is the start of cable network freedom.

7 Ways to Stream Video on the Xbox 360

Kelly Schwarze — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:01:14 PDT

Microsoft announced some major additions to the streaming media options available on Xbox Live, which may see the Xbox 360 platform become your main gateway to at-home entertainment. Beginning this holiday season, Microsoft is teaming up with nearly 40 media companies, networks, and web destinations to get global entertainment in one spot. As they say, "Gone are the days of managing a handful of remote controls." Details on exact subscription costs for each service within Xbox haven't been released.

While services and entertainment options vary by region, these six streaming options are bound to make you Xbox's biggest fan.

HBO GO - If you're already an HBO cable subscriber, this will stream your favorite HBO programming directly into the Xbox dashboard.
Hulu Plus - Catch up on a broad selection of network television programming and movies at $7.99 per month.
Comcast Xfinity - Available to Xfinity TV subscribers, Xfinity On Demand brings the most current episode of shows, along with season archives, and movies to the Xbox Live dashboard.
Vevo - Check out the latest music videos without cramming around a computer screen or worrying about software plug-ins.
Verizon FiOS TV - Available in time for the holiday season, Verizon is slated to bring a selection of live TV channels to Xbox 360 that will also be integrated with Kinect.
Netflix - Netflix has long been available on Xbox Live, but it's a classic complement to the slew of new programming on the platform. This may be the call to drop the DVD subscription as well.
Youtube - Don't forget the viral videos. You can still view the buzz-worthy videos of the Internet with YouTube on Xbox.

Cable Companies May Offer à La Carte Freedom

Kelly Schwarze — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:36:00 PDT

With consumers using online alternatives to watch favorite TV shows beyond the high prices and restrictions of cable companies, the cable giants are beginning to feel the loss, and may finally be ready to give customers what they've long been begging for - à la carte channel subscription options.

In the past, the cable industry argued that bundled programming provides the best value to customers. But with higher costs from networks and the popularity of web viewing, cable companies are working on allowing customers to subscribe to individual channels. According to Reuters, "Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Cable, the two largest operators have lost 1.2 million video customers in the 12 months to June 30." Sports channels like ESPN are the most expensive options, and the option to pick and choose channels is a way for customers to avoid a pricey all-in-one monthly plan. The à la carte programing system may be a way for providers to entice those who dropped cable from their list of monthly bills to return as happy subscribers.

It's still unclear exactly how possible à la carte cable subscription plans will work. Basic cable plus the option to add specific channels or tiered channel subscriptions? Whatever the options may be, cable may again rise as the top option for home entertainment.

How to Track Your Data Usage Online and On Your Mobile

Kristy Korcz — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 03:21:29 PDT

Unfortunately for us Internet obsessed, data caps are becoming the norm among wireless providers and ISPs alike. AT&T initiated its data cap this month, and while your cell phone data caps may be easier to track, how do you keep tabs on the data you're using at home? Check out these tools, apps, sites, and tricks that can help you stay on top of how much data you're using at home and on the go.

iPhone - Check your iPhone's data usage from AT&T, or just use this simple hack that's already on your phone.
AT&T - Sign into your AT&T account from the link to see how much data you've used, and how much you have left to guzzle down before you're subject to overage fees. You can see your usage by month, and check out your averages.

See how to stay on top of your Comcast and Android data after the break.

Comcast Will Bring Live Streaming TV to Tablets This Year

Kristen Hawley — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:30:23 PST

Comcast has just announced plans to allow in-home streaming of live and on-demand programming on the Apple iPad and Android tablet devices, coming later this year. The Comcast Xfinity iPad app was announced last November, and the iPad will be the first device to stream Comcast content, with the app arriving in the coming weeks. Android tablet support will begin later this year.

For more on the app's exciting new features, keep reading.

New Xfinity App Brings Streaming TV to Your iPad

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:30:50 PST

Those of you who are sticking it out with Comcast, I have some good news for you: you'll soon have an iPad app that will allow you to perform all kinds of cool tasks and watch TV shows and movies from anywhere. Similar to the already in operation Dish Network iPad App, the new Xfinity App will be free to Comcast digital customers and will allow users to browse schedules, program and view DVR recordings, access OnDemand content, and starting in December, watch TV and movies from anywhere, personalize viewing, and share what you're watching on your favorite social networks. Heck, you can even change channels with this thing.

No word yet on if you'll soon be able to perform the same tasks on your iPhone or other platforms, but this handy iPad app is definitely a step in the right direction. The Xfinity iPad app will be available in the iTunes App store starting this week and will be upgraded in December with new streaming features.

Xbox Live May Be Growing Faster Than Cable

Kristen Hawley — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:30:14 PDT

Microsoft's Xbox 360 is a popular gaming system, but fans can use for much more than games given its streaming capabilities and Internet connectivity. Xbox Live, Microsoft's Xbox content service, now has 25 million subscribers worldwide, which is officially more than top cable company Comcast. This is bad news for the cable service, which has been seeing a recent decrease in subscriptions, down to 23 million subscribers nationwide.

Find out why Comcast should continue to worry after the jump.

Have You Ever Seen a Female Cable Technician?

GeekSugar — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:47:58 PDT

Yesterday morning, PetSugar had cable installed in her new digs. Afterward, she told me about her experience and disclosed that her Comcast cable technician was a woman. You know me - I'm all about sisters doin' it for themselves but for as many times as I've had Comcast employees in my apartment, I've never once had a woman install my cable. I admit that I was a bit surprised. Sure, it's a well-known fact that the number of men outnumber women in the tech industry, but I never thought twice about tech service jobs like cable installers. Did I just perpetuate a double standard by always thinking that my cable guy would be . . . well, a guy?

Tell me - have you ever had a female cable technician?

Watch the World Cup Unfold With These Apps, Sites, and Streams

GeekSugar — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:45:12 PDT

It's kickoff time for the 2010 World Cup, and I'm putting you right in the middle of the action with this roundup of apps to keep you on top of the scores, sites to check out all the day's highlights, and streams to watch the games live. Take a look at all the ways you can watch the World Cup unfold right here!

Tiger Woods, 2010 Masters to Be Broadcast in 3D

GeekSugar — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:47:19 PDT

Now that Tiger Woods is making his big comeback to golf during the 2010 Masters, you could be seeing the action in 3D. Comcast announced yesterday that they will be broadcasting The Masters in 3D via a special channel just for those lucky golf fans who have 3D-enabled TVs. Not only that, if you have a 3D-enabled media player, monitor, and glasses, you can stream the tournament on the official Masters website. Of course, those of us who haven't yet picked up our 3D TVs can still watch, just minus the fun of wearing the accompanying glasses.

If you're on the market and looking for a 3D set to pick up, Samsung will be releasing their first wave of HD 3D-enabled TVs later this month for a cool $2,500, which means you should get delivery before the big tourney kicks off on Apr. 7.